The role of gadgets in the lives of children from 5 to 11 years old

Author: Isachenkova M., The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (Russia)

Keywords

Сhildren from 5 to 11, cognitive processes, tablets, smartphones, social media, internet

Abstract

The computer, mobile phone, Internet, social networks, IT tools over the past 20 years have fundamentally changed the world around us and turned from luxury items into ordinary components of everyday life. It is no longer possible to imagine a modern family without such devices as a smartphone, tablet or computer. Children, from birth, watching the lives of adults, begin to be interested in gadgets. For example, a modern child can see that parents use computer technology more often than they read books. The purpose of this study is to assess the real picture of the interaction of children from 5 to 11 years old with gadgets. Methodology. In the context of post-COVID restrictions, it was decided to first conduct an Internet survey of children. A questionnaire was developed for children of senior preschool and primary school age. In 2022, 120 people aged 5 to 11 inclusive took part in the survey. The survey revealed that 66.7% of the children surveyed have their own gadget. A greater number of children aged 5-11 years who do not have their own gadget are accounted for by boys - this is 36.2%, against 29% of girls. At the age of 5, 6% of children have their own gadget (this is 1 child out of 17), and at 11 years old, 100% of the children surveyed already have a gadget. More than half of the surveyed 11-year-olds have their own account on a social network, but only 80% of them communicate with friends online. To the question “If you have free time, what will you choose?” 53.1% said they would choose screen time. The main conclusion of the work is that at the moment children are mostly accustomed to the passive absorption of digital information and do not use gadgets for cognitive development.

Video